Stone-rubbing machine.



N. P. PRATT.

STONE RUBBING MACHINE.

APPLIGATION FILED MAY 27, 1912.

Patented Apr. 1, 1913 4 SHEETS-SHEET 1'.

16 WITNESSES I a VENTOlR Allows? N. P. PRATT.

STONE RUBBING MACHINE. APPLIOATION FILED MAY 27, 1912.

Patented Apr. 1, 1913.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

JNVENTOR MAJ-a2, 7%

N. P. PRATT. STONE RUBBING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED MAY 27, 1912.

Patented Apr. 1, 1913.

4 SHEETSSHBET 3.

N. P. PRATT. STONE BUBBING MACHINE APPLIOATIOH FILED MAY 27, 1912.

Patented Apr. 1, 1913.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

NATHANIEL P. PRATT, 0F DECATUR, GEORGIA, ASSIGNOR TO WHITE-STONE COMPANY, OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA, A CORPORATION OF GEORGIA.

STONE-RUBBING MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 1, 1913.

Application filed May 27, 1912. Serial No. 700,059.

T0 all wh-om it may concern:

Be it known that I, NATHANIEL P. PRATT, a citizen of the United States, residing at Decatur, in the county of Dekalb and State of Georgia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Stone-Rubbing Machines, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawing.

This invention relates to machines 61- rubbing lumps or particles of stone, marble, and the like, usually utilized in laying certain concrete floors, such as Venetian or terrazzo.

The object of the invention is to produce a simple and inexpensive structure but one having a maximum capacity, and adapted to perform its function of removing the angular corners or edges from particles of the stone, etc., without,- atthe same time, effecting any substantial crushing action upon the material. In a machine of this kind, the desideratum is to subject the material to such action that the aggregants thereof are moved in a zone of predetermined dimension sufficiently large, and between surfaces so relatively positioned, as to pre clude any substantial crushing of the aggregants: To this end, the operative parts of the machine which determine the zone of movement of the mass are so disposed rela tively as toprovide a space or chamber between a plurality of walls or surfaces, between which the material is treated, and which zone is never reduced below a redetermined area, wherefore, while the umps or particles, forming aggregants of the mass, are caused to rub against, upon and around each other, they nevertheless are not placed between surfaces so arranged as to result in any substantial crushing, but are made to slide outward and upward along the walls of the chamber in which they are bein circulated while the constant contact 0 the particles with, and their movementagalnsteach other effects a gradual but effective rubbing ofi and smoothing of the edgesand surfaces of these aggregants.

The invention in its broadest aspect contemplates the use of a suitable mass-holding.

receptacle, a mass-moving member dis osed therein, and means for actuatmg one o 'sald members relatively to the-otherto move the mass 's uccessivelyin a plurality of relatively different directions. '1

In another of its aspects the invention ing receptacle, a mass-moving member'disposed therein, and means for actuating one of said members relatively to the other to move the mass first in one direction and then successively in a relatively different direction.

The invention, in another "of its aspects, contemplates the use of a suitable receptacle, with a movable member disposedwithin said receptacle and with means for actuating said movable member variably to its normal axis,- the area or zone between the effective wall of the receptacle and the effective surface of said movable member being of predetermined position and dimension, whereby a mass of material of comparatively. large body is treated, such treatment contemplating the setting into motion, in a plurality of directions, of the aggregants of the mass and, finally, the discharge of these aggregants out of the receptacle.

The invention includes, in amore specificv illustrated certain embodiments of my in vention, in which the underlying principles thereof are clearly exemplified, it being understood that these are shown only by way of example as some of the forms which I propose to employ.

In these drawings: Figure 1 is a view inelevation of a preferred embodiment of the structure, a portion of the lower part of which is sectioned more clearly to illustrate certain parts; Fig. 2 is a view, partly in vertical section,'illustrating the interior of the receptacle and the mass as therein contained; Fig. 3 is a plan View of the structure; Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view of a modification. Fig. 5 is a similar View of anothermodification. Figs. 6, 7, and 8 are similar views of still other modifications.

v Referring'to the drawings, and to Figs. 1 to 3, the numeral 1 designates, generally, a

suitable supportfor the structure now to be '-=d'e scribed; Suitably secured to this support,

in any desirable manner, is a ma s-holdin member, receiver or receptacle, 2,w ich pre erably and as shown may be of" an inverted bell-shaped form to provide an upwardly and outwardly inclined inner wall 3. The

receptacle may have a 'bottom portion 4.

The material is fed into the receptacle through a chute 5, though it may be delivered into the same inany other preferred manner. Within the receptacle is a massmoving and rubbing member 6, which, in the forms illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6 and 8,

. is movable and preferably conical, as shown, and preferably provided in its lower end with a recess 7 in which an eccentrically formed head 8, carried by an upstanding spindle 9, is seated. The movable member 6 is preferably suspended from and actuated by a drive shaft 10 upon the upper end of which is keyed a gear-wheel 11 adapted to be drivenby a pinion 12 carried by a hori- I controlled by the eccentric head 8 on the spindle 9. Or the movable member 6, if preferred, and as shown in Fig. 8, may be fixed to the spindle and, instead of receiving an eccentric motion therefrom, it maybe pro-' vided with irregular protuberances 15 which,

inmotion, will compel motionof the stone spindle is. suitably journaled in a bearing" 40116 secured in the lower portion of the supof the receiver 2 is a cylindrical ring 18,

particles outward and upon each other. The

rt 1, as shown particularly in Fig. 1. he bottom portion 4. of the receiver 2 is, adjacent to the spindle 9, preferably provided with an aperture 17. of a size appropriate to permit the discharge of the aggregants of the ma s as they are being treated. Mounted in the bottom portion or basin 4 I and which encircles the spindle 9. g This device maybe given any other preferred shape.

It is vertically adjustable .to increase orre- 1 duce the distance between its upper-fiend and the lower end of the movable member 6,

whereby the discharge, in this articular embodiment of the invent on, of t e aggregants from the receiver may be controlled at the will of the operator, the adjustment of said ring being eifected by means of the adjusting bolts 19. The ring 18 is, as shown in this instance, of an lnside, diameter greater than that of the spindle 9, wherefore a space is provided between the walls of the ring and the spindle. Obviously, if the ring is raised and thus positioned nearer the lower end of the movable member 6, the

distance between it and the ring is reduced, whereby the flow of the aggregants out of the receiver and through the space aforementioned may be changed. If desired the discharge of the aggregants may be entirely stopped without interfering with the rubbing action of the machine. It is found that, while in some instances it is preferable to effect a discharge of portions of the mass (while it is being treated and while fresh particles of stone are being introduced) out of the receiver 2 through the bottom, yet this discharge may also be effected in other ways: As shown, for instance, in Fig. 4:, discharge openings 20 are formed in the sides of the receiver, and are provided with chutes ,21 in which slides or gates 22 are pdrgfided to close the chutes or to control the a ount of material which may be discharge therethrough. Or, as shown in Fig. 5, the dis- 35 charge, instead of being through the bottom or side port-ions of the receiver, may be effected over its upper edge, it being understood that while the inflowing feed continues, the aggregants, during their movement in the receiver,.will flow down alon the movable member and, being propelle thereby, will gradually pass outward and upward toward the top and be forced out over the upper edge of the receiver.

Operation: In operating the particular form of machine described, the feed-chute 5 is opened, as by the slide-gate 5*, so that the receiver may be filled from a suitable storage bin, not shown, with stone particles, or lumps which may already have been reduced'to proper size in a crusherorthe like. Thereupon, the machine is started and the conical movable or rubbingmember -6 is given an oscillatory movement by reason of the eccentric head 8 on th spindle 9. The variable sidewise movement of the rubbing member 6 sets in motion the aggregants constltuting the mass A within the receptacle, and these aggregants are caused, to rub 110 against each otherfor a suiiicient time to remove the angular corners and edges which they have when fed into the receiver. The

discharge of the mass is effected gradually, since it is desirable to keep the aggregants in motion until they have been operated upon to a desirable'extent, this being controlled,

as already described, by means of the adjusting ring 18. As rapidly as the rounded stone particles pass out of the receiver, fresh additions automatically accrue at the top so as to preserve the proper volume of stone in the receiver. -The rapid pushing and rubbing of the stone particles on each other results in wearing away the sharp'corners and edges and ields a finished product as free from angu arity as may be desired.

- Instead of the rubbing member 6 being conical, as shown in Fig. 3, it may be cylindrical', or as s'howQn in Fig. 5, the drive- 1 shaft 10 may be provided with an eccentric head 10 whereby the rubbing member may have an eccentric movement imparted to it atits bottom or top or wherever preferred.

As shown in Fig. 7 it is also within the spirit of my concept to make the member 23 stationary and rotate the mass-holding member 24 around the same, eccentrically or in any other manner that will impart motion to 10 the mass of material to be treated. In lieu my invention is the disposition of the effecjtive wall of the mass-holding receiver a substantial distance from the mass-moving which is gyrated a rotary member whereby the variable change of relation between the surface of the said member and the wall of the mass-holding member will set in motion the aggregants of the mass of material without at the same time effecting any substantial crushing action thereon. The provision of a substantial working area or zone between the surfaces of the massholding receiver and the mass-moving member, with the consequent discharge of the aggregants from the receiver without the substantial crushing of the aggregants, is a novel feature, so far as I am advised.

' I am aware that there are in use construe tions employing a mass-holding receiver in member; but the action, in this instance, is one ofcrushin'g,

and this is due to the fact that the inner wall of the mass-holding receiver is located in close roximity to the gyrator member,- where y the walls of thesetwo come effective surfaces between which the aggregants of the mass are caught and crushed, after which the crushed mass is discharged-from the receiver while moving a merely from a big or to a lower position in practically'a straight path. My invention operates upon exactly the opposite principle,- '60 in that -I seek to avoidany crushing action such as is aimedat in the form of machine just mentioned, and also the mass is moved firstin one direct-ionand then in a relatively difi'erentdirection. 'My machine is utilized .to treat the mass after it has passed through such a crushing machine. Y 'Havi now described my invention, its construction, and the manner of carrying it "into effect, what I claim and desire to secure'by. Letters-Patent is: i Y

1. A rubbing machine, including in combination, a suitable'mass-holding receptacle,

a mass-moving member disposed, therein,

and means for actuating one of said members angularly to its axis and relatlvely to e ements be-- the other to move the mass successively, first in one direction for a substantial distance and, then, in a direction at a distinct angle to that of its first movement.

2. ,A rubbing machine, including in combination, a suitable mass-holding receptacle having a discharge-opening, a mass moving actuating one of said members angularly to its axis and relatively to the other to move a mass of material in the receptacle, first in one direction and, then, successively, in a direction at a distinct angle to that of its first movement and for a substantial distance away from said discharge opening.

3. 'A rubbing-machine, including in-combination, a surrounding mass-holding member disposed therein, and vmean for actuating said member angularly to its axis to ush a mass of material away from itself an then, in a. relatively diiferent direction tion.

4. A rubbing machine including in combination, a rotary member adapted to swing at an eccentric to its axis, a relatively stationary encircling mass-holding member provided with interior walls arranged at an angle to the surface of the [rotary member, and including a bottom-portion and adapted to contain a mass of material, means for actuating said rotary member to set said mass in motion first in one direction and away fromsaid bottom-portion and, in consequence, to effect a movement of its aggregants upon each other to smooth them.

5. A rubbing machine including, in combination, a rotary member adaptedto swing at an eccentric .to its axis, a relatiyely stationary encircling mass-holding member provided with interior walls arranged at an angle to the surface of the rotary member and provided with an opening for the egress of material and adapted to contain a mass of material, means. for actuating said rotary member to' set said mass in motion first in one direction and then in a distinctly different direction and away from said bottom-portion and, in consequence, to effect a movement of them and to effect their discharge out of the encircling member.

'6. rubbing machine, including in-combination, a rotary member adapted to swin at an eccentric to its axis, a-relatively stationary encircling mass-holding. member provided with interior walls arranged at an angle to the surface ofi the rotary -member and provided with an opening for the egress of material, means for actuating said rotary member disposed therein, and means for me lber including a bottom-portion, a mogili l e and initially away from said bottom-porthen in a distinctly different direction and its aggregants upon each other to smooth of material and adapted tdcontain a mass -member,-and thereby to set said mass in motion first in one direction and then up-,

wardly away from said egress-opening and,

in consequence, to eflect a movement of its aggregants upon each other to smooth them and to effect their discharge out of the encircling {member, and means for changing the rela ion between said rotary member and said encircling element whereby the discharge of the aggregants of the mass under treatment may be regulated.

7. A rubbing-machine, including in combination, a rotary member adapted to swing at an eccentric to its axis, a relatively stationary encircling mass-holding membe provided with interior walls arranged at an angle to the-surface of the rotary member and provided with an opening for the egress of material, and thereby to set said mass in motion first in one direction and then upwardly away from said egress opening and,

outwardly inclined interior wall and adapt-' ed to contain a mass of material, said wall being disposed at a substantial distance from said rotary member, means for rotatably supporting said rotary member in i said receptacle and adapted to permit a movement of said member angularly to its axis while rotating, whereby the mass contained in said receptacle may be set in motion and given a movement 0 twardly toward the wall of said receptac e and, then,

"successively, upwardly along and contiguous to said wall to effect a discharge of the aggregants of the mass under treatment, and means for regulating the angular move- ,ment of said rotary member in relation to the wall of said receptacle whereby movement of said aggregants iseflcted upon.

wall being disposed at a substantial distance from said rotary member, means for rotatably supporting said rotary member in said receptacle and adapted to permit a movement of said member angularly to its axis while rotating, whereby the mass .contained in said receptacle may be set in motion and given a movement outwardly'toward the Wall of said receptacle and, then, successively, upwardly along and conti uous to said wall and, finally, downwar 1y to effect a discharge of the aggregants of the mass under treatment, and adjusting means for changing the normal relative distance between said rotary member and the wall of said receptacle whereby the discharge-space for said aggregants is varied.

In testimony whereof I aflix mysignatur'e in presence of two witnesses.

NATHANIEL P. PRATT.

Witnesses:

EDGAR REANES, PALMER PRATT. 

